Pressure relief apparatus

ABSTRACT

A pressure relief apparatus includes a valve having a body. A shaft is rotatably disposed in the body and has an exterior end extending through the body. A plug, which may contain an internal passageway, is mounted on the shaft and is disposed in the fluid flowpath. The body is engageable with the system to expose the plug to the pressurized fluid so that the pressurized fluid acts on the plug to exert a torque on the shaft which is offset from the center line of the plug. The apparatus further includes a linkage assembly configured to translate the torque exerted on the shaft into an output force. A release device, such as a buckling pin or a magnet, is connected to the linkage assembly and is configured to release the shaft when the output force exceeds a predetermined limit. Preferably, the linkage assembly is adjustable to vary the magnitude of the output force corresponding to a given torque. A low torque seal secured in place by a retaining ring is disposed in the body to prevent fluid from leaking through the body past the plug.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention generally relates to systems for relievingpressure from a pressurized system. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to a pressure relief apparatus for a system containinga pressurized fluid.

[0002] There are many types of systems that process or use a pressurizedfluid. To ensure the safety of these types of systems, each such systemtypically includes a safety device designed to prevent theover-pressurization of the system. In an emergency situation, where thefluid in the system reaches an unsafe level, the high pressure of thefluid acts on the safety device to create an opening to release fluidfrom the system. Venting fluid to the environment or a safety reservoirthrough the opening reduces the pressure in the system and preventsanother portion of the system from failing due to the high pressure ofthe fluid.

[0003] Examples of commonly used safety devices include rupture disksand explosion panels. These safety devices can be attached to apressurized system to expose a certain portion of the device to thepressurized fluid in the system. The portion of the device exposed tothe fluid is configured to rupture or tear when the fluid reaches apredetermined pressure. The tearing or rupture of the disk or panelcreates an opening through which the pressurized fluid flows to reducethe pressure in the system. This type of safety device is, therefore,self-destructing and must be replaced after each use. Typically, toreplace one of these safety devices, some disassembly of the system isneeded so that the disk or panel can be properly engaged with thesystem.

[0004] Another type of safety device for a pressurized system is apressure relief valve, which may be a reclosing valve or a non-reclosingvalve. Typically, a spring, a pin, or a combination of a spring and pin,is used to hold a moving plug in sealing engagement with the housing ofthe device while connected to the pressurized system. When the pressureof the fluid reaches the predetermined safety level in such systems, theforce exerted on the plug by the pressurized fluid overcomes the bias ofthe spring or exceeds the resistance of the pin that holds the plug inplace. When either of these events occurs, the pressurized fluid movesthe plug to expose an opening through which fluid may escape to relievethe pressure in the system. Reclosing valves will automatically resetonce the pressurized fluid at the inlet of the device has reducedsufficiently for the spring or other mechanism to reseat the plug.Non-reclosing valves require that the device be manually reset so thatthe valve plug is re-engaged with the seal and, if necessary, the pin orother expendable component replaced.

[0005] A valve disposed in a pressurized system will often include astrong seal between the body and the plug to limit or prevent fluid fromleaking through the valve. One type of seal is a broad band seal (asopposed to a line seal), where a significant area of the typicallyflexible seal engages a large portion of the plug. As a result, acorrespondingly large force is required to break the seal, and the forcerequired to break the seal tends to increase the longer the seal remainsengaged with the plug. A valve using this type of seal is not welladapted for low pressure applications, where the force of the fluid maynot be capable of breaking the seal. Further, these valves require alarge force to seat the seal, which can interfere with the accuracy ofthe set pressure of the device. In addition, the seals of these valvesare located in positions that require extensive disassembly of the valvein the field, which makes seal replacement difficult and can affect theaccuracy of the device.

[0006] A common type of pressure relief valve is a rotatable valveassembly. A rotatable valve includes a plug that is mounted on arotatable shaft and may be rotated between a closed position where theplug blocks the flow of fluid and an open position where the plug allowsfluid to flow through the valve. The rotation of the plug to the openposition may be initiated manually or by another external force.Alternatively, the plug may be mounted on the shaft so that therotational axis of the plug is offset relative to the center of theplug, so that the pressurized fluid exerts a torque on the shaft andurges the plug to rotate. A device may be coupled to the shaft toprevent the shaft from rotating until the torque on the shaft reaches acertain level, indicating that the pressure of the fluid has reached anover-pressure situation. At that point, the shaft is released and theplug rotates to open the valve and vent the system.

[0007] However, the components of these rotatable valve assemblies arespecifically designed to provide pressure relief for a specific pressureor narrow pressure ranges. To operate at a range of set pressures, therotatable valve assembly would require modification of some or allcomponent parts to vary the distance by which the rotational axis of theplug is offset from the center of the shaft. This limits the use of suchassemblies in the field and creates inventory problems for valvemanufacturers. Moreover, the inability to standardize parts for broadpressure ranges increases the cost of manufacturing the devices.

[0008] Another problem with rotatable valve assemblies is that therotation of the plug does not move the plug out of the fluid flowpathand, thus, the plug obstructs the flow of the venting fluid. The objectof the pressure relief device is to quickly reduce the pressure of thesystem and significant blockage of the fluid flow is undesirable. A lowflow resistance factor (Kr) or high coefficient of discharge (Kd) isrequired. The presently known valve assemblies have the disadvantage ofimpeding fluid flow in relieving an over pressure situation.

[0009] In light of the foregoing, there is a need for a pressure reliefapparatus that (1) can be calibrated to provide pressure relief over awide range of pressures while utilizing standard parts, (2) provides alarge flowpath for fluid to vent, (3) has an improved seal in both itsworking design and for purposes of field replacement, and (4) may beused in low pressure systems as well as high pressure systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a pressurerelief apparatus that obviates one or more of the limitations anddisadvantages of prior art pressure relief devices. The advantages andpurposes of the invention will be set forth in part in the descriptionwhich follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or maybe learned by practice of the invention. The advantages and purposes ofthe invention will be realized and attained by the elements andcombinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[0011] To attain the advantages and in accordance with the purposes ofthe invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the inventionis directed to a pressure relief apparatus for a system containing apressurized fluid. The pressure relief apparatus includes a valve havinga body that defines a fluid flowpath. A shaft is rotatably disposed inthe body and has an exterior end that extends through the body. A plugis mounted on the shaft. The body is engageable with the system toexpose the plug to the pressurized fluid. The pressurized fluid acts onthe plug to exert a torque on the shaft and rotate the plug from aclosed position to an open position. A linkage assembly is engageablewith the exterior end of the shaft and is configured to translate thetorque exerted on the shaft into an output force. The linkage assemblyis adjustable to vary the magnitude of the output force corresponding toa particular shaft torque. A release device is connected to the linkageassembly to prevent the shaft from rotating until the output forceexceeds a predetermined limit.

[0012] In another aspect, the invention is directed to a pressure reliefapparatus for a system containing a pressurized fluid. The pressurerelief apparatus includes a valve having a body that defines a fluidflowpath. A shaft is rotatably disposed in the body and has an exteriorend that extends through the body. A plug is mounted on the shaft. Thebody is engageable with the system to expose the plug to the pressurizedfluid, which exerts a torque on the shaft to rotate the plug from aclosed position to an open position. A linkage assembly is engageablewith the exterior end of the shaft and is configured to generate anoutput force based upon the torque exerted on the shaft. A pin includinga weakened area is operatively connected to the linkage assembly suchthat the output force acts to compress the pin. The weakened area of thepin causes the pin to buckle when the output force exerted thereonreaches a predetermined level. The buckling of the pin allows the plugto rotate to the open position.

[0013] In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to alinkage assembly for a rotatable valve assembly. The valve assembly hasa release device and a plug mounted on a rotatable shaft. The valveassembly is engageable with a pressurized system to expose the plug topressurized fluid that acts on the plug to rotate the plug and shaft.The linkage assembly includes an input arm connected to the shaft of therotatable valve assembly, a trigger operatively connected to the inputarm such that the torque exerted on the shaft is translated into asubstantially linear force, a fulcrum, and a lever arm supported by thefulcrum. The lever arm has a first end operatively coupled with thetrigger and a second end coupled with the release device. Thesubstantially linear force acts on the first end of the lever arm topivot the lever arm about the fulcrum and generate an output forcebetween the second end of the lever arm and the release device. Therelease device is configured to release the lever arm and thereby allowthe shaft to rotate when the output force exceeds a predetermined limit.

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to apressure relief apparatus for a system containing a pressurized fluid.The pressure relief apparatus includes a valve having a body thatdefines a fluid flowpath. A shaft is rotatably disposed in the body andhas an exterior end that extends through the body. A plug is mounted onthe shaft. The body is engageable with the system to expose the plug tothe pressurized fluid, which acts on the plug to exert a torque on theshaft to rotate the plug from a closed position to an open position. Alinkage assembly is engageable with the exterior end of the shaft. Thelinkage assembly is configured to translate the torque exerted on theshaft into an output force. A release device is operatively connected tothe linkage assembly to prevent the shaft from rotating until the outputforce exceeds a predetermined limit. A latch is configured to engage thelinkage assembly when the plug rotates to the open position to hold theplug in the open position.

[0015] In still another aspect, the present invention is directed to apressure relief apparatus for a system containing a pressurized fluid.The pressure relief apparatus includes a body that defines a fluidflowpath. A shaft is rotatably disposed in the body and has an exteriorend that extends through the body. A plug is mounted on the shaft. Thebody is engageable with the system to expose the plug to the pressurizedfluid, which exerts a torque on the shaft to rotate the plug from aclosed position to an open position. A linkage assembly is engageablewith the exterior end of the shaft and is configured to translate thetorque exerted on the shaft into an output force. A release device isoperatively connected to the linkage assembly to prevent the shaft fromrotating. The release device includes a fusible alloy configured toliquefy and allow the shaft to rotate when the temperature of the alloyexceeds a predetermined limit.

[0016] According to still another aspect, the present invention isdirected to a pressure relief apparatus for a system containing apressurized fluid. The pressure relief assembly includes a valve havinga body that defines a fluid flowpath. A shaft is rotatably disposed inthe body and a plug is mounted on the shaft. The body is engageable withthe system to expose the plug to the pressurized fluid. The plug andshaft are rotatable between a closed position where the plug preventspressurized fluid from flowing through the fluid flowpath in the bodyand an open position where pressurized fluid flows between the body andthe plug. A seal is disposed in the body and is configured to engage theplug when the plug is in the closed position to prevent pressurizedfluid from flowing between the plug and body when the plug is in theclosed position. A retaining ring is provided to engage the body and isconfigured to retain the seal in the body. The retaining ring may bedisengaged from the body while the shaft and plug remain intact withinthe body.

[0017] According to yet another aspect, the present invention isdirected to a pressure relief apparatus for a system containing apressurized fluid. The pressure relief assembly includes a body thatdefines a fluid flowpath and includes an inner surface that has a curvedshape. The body is engageable with the pressurized system to directpressurized fluid into the fluid flowpath. A shaft is rotatably disposedin the body. A plug is mounted on the shaft and disposed in the fluidflowpath. The outer perimeter of the plug has a curved cross sectionthat is generally complimentary to the shape of the inner surface of thebody. The plug and shaft are rotatable between a closed position wherethe plug prevents pressurized fluid from flowing through the fluidflowpath in the body and an open position where pressurized fluid flowsbetween the body and the plug. A seal is disposed in the body. The sealis configured to provide a line seal that is engageable with a portionof the outer perimeter of the plug to prevent pressurized fluid fromflowing between the plug and the body. The seal is engageable with theplug for between about 1.5° and 5° of rotation of the plug.

[0018] It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification, illustrate one embodiment ofthe invention and together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. In the drawings,

[0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pressure relief apparatus for apressurized system according to the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a valve according to thepresent invention, illustrating a plug in a closed position;

[0022]FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 2,illustrating a shaft and a seal in accordance with the presentinvention;

[0023]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a valve according to the presentinvention;

[0024]FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the engagement of avalve and a linkage assembly housing according to the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a linkage assembly according tothe present invention;

[0026]FIG. 6b is an exploded assembly view of the linkage assembly ofFIG. 6a;

[0027]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a pin having a weakened areain accordance with the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a fusible plug in accordancewith the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a release device including abuckling pin and a fusible alloy in accordance with the presentinvention; and

[0030]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a release device including abuckling disk in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiment of the present invention, an example of which is illustratedin the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same referencenumbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same orlike parts. An exemplary embodiment of a pressure relief apparatus ofthe present invention is shown in FIG. 1 and is designated generally byreference number 20.

[0032] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided apressure relief apparatus for a system containing a pressurized fluid.The pressure relief apparatus includes a valve having a body thatdefines a fluid flowpath. The body is engageable with the pressurizedsystem to direct pressurized fluid through the flowpath. Preferably, thebody includes a flange that has a series of bolt holes corresponding tothe standard bolt pattern on a pipe flange to allow the body to beeasily engaged with the pressurized system. However, the presentinvention contemplates that the pressure relief apparatus of presentinvention may be engaged with the pressurized system in any other mannerreadily apparent to one skilled in the art.

[0033] As embodied herein and as illustrated in FIG. 1, a pressurerelief apparatus 20 includes a valve 22 having a body 23. Body 23 has aflange 36 that contains a series of bolt holes 24. Preferably, boltholes 24 are positioned in flange 36 to conform to the standard ANSIbolt pattern (or other standardized bolt pattern) for a pipe flange witha similar nominal size. Bolts, or other connecting devices, may be usedto engage flange 36 with a corresponding pipe flange that is connectedto a pressurized system (not shown). The structure of the presentinvention allows for utilization of the entire ANSI standard boltpattern when installing the valve and is, therefore, preferable overprior art designs wherein this was not practical (due to the magnitudeof the rotating mechanism).

[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 2, body 23 includes an inner surface 98that defines a fluid flowpath 50 having an inlet 52 and an outlet 54.Preferably, inner surface 98 of body 23 has a spherical or curved shape.When flange 36 is engaged with a pipe flange of a pressurized system,the system pipe flange guides pressurized fluid in the directionindicated by arrow 93 and into body 23, which directs the pressurizedfluid into inlet 52.

[0035] In accordance with the present invention, the valve may include ashaft rotatably mounted in the body and a plug disposed in the fluidflowpath. The plug is mounted on the shaft and is rotatable between aclosed position, where the plug prevents pressurized fluid from flowingthrough the fluid flowpath, and an open position, where pressurizedfluid is allowed to flow through the fluid flowpath. In the illustratedembodiment, the plug is mounted on the shaft in an offset manner suchthat when the plug is in the closed position, the pressurized fluid actson the plug to exert a torque on the shaft to rotate the plug from theclosed position to the open position.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a shaft 56 is rotatably mounted in body23. Shaft 56 includes an exterior end 58 that extends through body 23and an interior end 59 that extends into the plug. As shown in greaterdetail in FIG. 3, a bearing, such as roller bearing 74 or a bushing, ispositioned between shaft 56 and body 23 to facilitate rotation of theshaft within body 23.

[0037] As is also illustrated in FIG. 3, a seal 82 is disposed betweenshaft 56 and body 23. Seal 82 prevents pressurized fluid from escapingthe valve between the surfaces of the shaft and the body. Preferably, asshown in FIG. 2, a bushing 86 is disposed in body 23. The inner diameterof bushing 86 is sized to closely correspond to the outer diameter ofshaft 56.

[0038] Referring again to FIG. 2, a second shaft 60 is rotatably mountedin body 23 opposite shaft 56. As with shaft 56, shaft 60 includes aninterior end 88 extending into fluid flowpath 50 and a bearing, such asroller bearing 94 or a bushing, is positioned between shaft 60 and body23 to facilitate rotation of shaft 60 within body 23.

[0039] A seal 92 is also disposed between shaft 60 and body 23. Seal 92prevents pressurized fluid from escaping the valve between the surfacesof shaft 60 and body 23. Preferably, a bushing 90 is disposed in body23. The inner diameter of bushing 90 is sized to closely correspond tothe outer diameter of shaft 60.

[0040] A cover plate 62 is connected to body 23 to prevent shaft 60 fromsliding with respect to the body. An o-ring 96 is positioned betweencover plate 62 and body 23. O-ring 96 creates a seal between the body 23and cover plate 62 to prevent any ingress of foreign matter between theshaft and bearing.

[0041] As is also shown in FIG. 2, a plug 65 is disposed within fluidflowpath 50. Preferably, plug 65 includes opposing sides with aninternal passageway therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the plugincludes an inlet plate 68 and an outlet plate 66 that are joinedtogether. Inlet plate 68 includes an outer perimeter 95 and outlet plate66 includes an outer perimeter 97. Preferably, outer perimeters 95 and97 of the inlet and outlet plates have a curved cross-sectional shapethat generally conforms to the contour of inner surface 98 of body 23.The present invention contemplates, however, that inner surface 98 ofbody 23 may form a straight bore on one or more sides. In addition, theplug may have alternative configurations, including a single platedesign or a multiple plate design.

[0042] Inlet plate 68 also includes a central projection 71 and outletplate 66 includes a corresponding projection 70. Preferably, asillustrated in FIG. 4, a series of posts 100 are positioned between theinlet and outlet plates. Posts 100 engage corresponding openings in theinlet and outlet plates to ensure that the plates are properly aligned.Central projections 70 and 71 align to form a crossbar that definesfluid passageways 72. The present invention contemplates that the inletplate and outlet plate may be cast as a single part that defines one ormore fluid passageways therebetween.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2 and discussed previously, plug 65 is mountedon shafts 56 and 60. Because shafts 56 and 60 are rotatably mounted inbody 23, plug 65 is similarly rotatable with respect to body 23. Plug 65may be rotated between a closed position, where the plug issubstantially perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow, and an openposition, where the plug is substantially parallel to the direction offluid flow (as indicated by arrow 93 in FIGS. 2 and 4).

[0044] The present invention contemplates that the described pressurerelief apparatus may be used as a reclosing pressure relief device or anon-reclosing pressure relief device. In the non-reclosing embodiment,the plug 65 rotates through approximately 90° in moving from the closedposition to the open position. This places the inlet and outlet platessubstantially parallel to the direction of fluid flow (as indicated byarrow 93 in FIGS. 2 and 4) to afford the highest fluid flow rate to mostefficiently reduce the pressure within the system. In the reclosing,embodiment, the plug 65 rotates through approximately 85° in moving fromthe closed position to the fully open position. In this position, theinlet and outlet plates are positioned such that the fluid continues toexert a force on the plug. When the pressure of the fluid, and theresultant force on the plug, drop below a certain limit, a spring orother similar mechanism will rotate the plug back to the closedposition. Preferably, plug 65 is configured to ensure the flowresistance factor (Kr) of the open valve is less than approximately 6.0.

[0045] A position indicator (not shown) may be attached to shaft 60.Preferably, the position indicator either extends through or is visiblethrough cover plate 62. The location of the position indicator willindicate whether the plug is in the open position or in the closedposition.

[0046] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, interior ends 59 and 88 of shafts56 and 60, respectively, have a square shape and inlet plate 68 andoutlet plate 66 each include a pair of notches 102, 104, 106, and 108(referring to FIGS. 2 and 4). When inlet plate 68 is attached to outletplate 66, notches 102 and 104 combine to engage interior end 59 of shaft56 and notches 106 and 108 combine to engage interior end 88 of shaft60.

[0047] The rotational axis of plug 65 is determined by the location ofnotches 102, 104, 106, and 108. Preferably, these notches are disposedso that the rotational axis of the plug 65 is displaced from thecenterline of the plug. This offset mounting of the plug results in agreater portion of inlet plate 68 located on one side of the rotationalaxis than on the other side of the rotational axis. The force exerted onthe inlet plate by the pressurized fluid is equal to the pressure of thefluid times the area of the plate. Since a larger area of the plate ispositioned on one side of the rotational axis, the resultant force ofthe pressurized fluid will create a moment arm about the rotational axisthat acts to rotate plug 65 in the direction indicated by arrow 91(referring to FIG. 4) and exert a torque on shafts 56 and 60. Thus, theamount of the displacement of the rotational axis of the plug from thecenterline of the plug and the pressure of the fluid will determine theamount of torque exerted on the shaft. The present inventioncontemplates that shafts 56 and 60 may be disposed in housing 23 toposition the rotational axis of the plug at any location from thecenterline of the plug (0% offset) to the perimeter of the plug (100%offset).

[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a spindle 140 having a spline 142 isengageable with exterior end 58 of shaft 56. Exterior end 58 of shaft 56includes a series of notches and ridges and spindle 140 includescomplimentary openings configured to receive the notches and grooves ofthe exterior end. The notches and grooves ensure that shaft 56 andspindle 140 are solidly coupled so that any rotation of shaft 56 istranslated to a corresponding rotation of spindle 140.

[0049] Spindle 140 is rotatably mounted within a spindle housing 150that is engagaeable with body 23. When spindle housing 150 is mounted onbody 23, spline 142 extends outside of spindle housing 150. In addition,engagement of spindle housing 150 with body 23 prevents spindle 140 fromdisengaging exterior end 58 of shaft 56. A pair of bearings 144, whichare separated by a spacer 146, support spindle 140 and allow the spindleto be easily rotated within spindle housing 150. Preferably, an o-ring148 is placed between spindle housing 150 and body 23 to prevent ingressof foreign matter between shaft 56 and bearings 144.

[0050] Preferably, spline 142 also includes a drive 143. Preferablydrive 143 is hexagonal such that a standard wrench or socket may beengaged with drive 143 to rotate spindle 140 and, thus, shaft 56 andplug 65. In this manner, plug 65 may be manually rotated from the openposition to the closed position to reset the pressure relief apparatus.

[0051] In accordance with the present invention, a seal is disposed inthe body. The seal is configured to provide a line seal engageable witha portion of the outer perimeter of the plug to prevent pressurizedfluid from flowing between the plug and the body. Preferably, the sealengages the plug for between about 1.5° and 5° of rotation of the plugbetween the closed position and the open position. The use of a lineseal with the globed or spherical surface results in a low torque valvethat is more readily opened and reclosed. As such, the valve is usefulin low pressure applications. This is particularly true with a hollowplug that reduces the mass that is moved between the open and closedpositions.

[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a seal 84 is disposed in body 23. Seal84 extends around the circumference of inner surface 98 of body 23.Preferably, seal 84 is made of a soft, elastic material, such as VITON.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, seal 84 includes two projections120 and 122 that extend divergently from body 23 and are configured toengage a portion of the outer perimeter of inlet plate 68 around theentire circumference of the inlet plate. The present inventioncontemplates, however, that the seal may be positioned adjacent theoutlet plate so that projections 120 and 122 engage a portion of theouter perimeter of outlet plate 66. Alternatively, two seals may bedisposed in body 23, one configured to form a seal with the inlet plateand the other configured to form a seal with the outlet plate.

[0054] Projection 120 extends from body 23 to outer perimeter 95 ofinlet plate 68 and is angled towards housing inlet 52. Because the outerperimeter 95 of inlet plate 68 is curved, projection 120 will remain incontact with the outer perimeter and maintain the seal until plug 65rotates through the first portion of the rotation from the closedposition to the open position. Preferably, projection 120 remains incontact with the outer perimeter of the inlet plate for between about1.5° and 5° of rotation of the plug.

[0055] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, a replaceable seat 99 ispreferably disposed on the outer edge of inlet plate 68. Seat 99 may beconstructed of metal, preferably of the same material as inlet plate 68,or seat 99 may be a soft seat, preferably constructed of the samematerial as seal 84. It is contemplated that outer perimeter 95 ofreplaceable seat 99 may include a coating, such as TEFLON, to reduce thefriction between the seal and the plug and allow the plug to more freelyopen in low pressure applications.

[0056] As discussed, the curved surface of outer perimeter 95 of inletplate 68 allows the seal to be easily energized and allows for alow-torque engagement of projection 120 with inlet plate 68. The angleof projection 120 also allows pressurized fluid from the inlet side ofthe device to contact projection 120 and exert a force to increase theperformance of the seal.

[0057] In addition, the low energy seal and the simple offset design ofthe plug allow the valve to be connected to the pressurized system in anorientation that will allow gravity to act on the plug to reclose thevalve after the pressure in the system has been relieved. Alternatively,the valve may be gravity balanced so that the valve device may beinstalled in any orientation, such as horizontally, vertically, orobliquely, and the weight of the device will not influence the setpressure.

[0058] Seal projection 122 extends from body 23 to outer perimeter 95 ofinlet plate 68 and is angled towards body outlet 54. Projection 122 willhold back pressure, such as would be created by a vacuum from inlet side52 or a fluid pressure on outlet side 54. Alternatively, a separate sealmay be disposed in body 23 and configured to engage outlet plate 66 tohold back pressure.

[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a retaining ring 64 is engageable withbody 23 to hold seal 84 in place. Preferably, body 23 and retaining ring64 are configured so that retaining ring 64 may be engaged with body 23with a press-fit. The present invention contemplates that the retainingring may be engaged with the body by other methods, such as, forexample, corresponding threads on the retaining ring and body.

[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 3, retaining ring 64 includes a notch 130having substantially the same shape as seal 84. The mating surfaces ofthe retaining ring 64 10 and body 23 are configured to ensure thatretaining ring 64 contacts body 23 before the retaining ring overcompresses seal 84. In addition, an o-ring 124 may be disposed betweenretaining ring 64 and body 23 to prevent any undesirable leakage offluid from the valve and to retain the body and retaining ring together.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining ring engages theinlet side of the valve body. This configuration is preferred because itprovides for easy replacement of the seal in the field. To replace theseal, the valve is disassembled only as far as necessary to provideaccess to the retaining ring. The retaining ring is then removed fromthe body, while leaving the plug and shaft assembly intact. Removing theretaining ring exposes the seal and allows the used seal to be replacedwith a new seal. While this is the preferred embodiment of the retainingring, it is contemplated that the retaining ring could engage the outletside of the body to hold the seal in place.

[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 2, retaining ring 64 preferably includes agroove 126 in its outer edge. Body 23 includes bolt holes 128 configuredto align with groove 126 when retaining ring 64 is fully seated in body23. Bolts 63 (referring to FIG. 4) engage bolt holes 128 and extend intogroove 126. The engagement of bolts 63 with groove 126 preventsretaining ring 64 from any lateral movement during operation of thevalve, thereby ensuring that the seal will remain engaged with the inletplate.

[0063] In addition, these bolts allow the main plug to be sealed, withwire or another closure, according to ASME practices. The applicableASME code sections require that removable pressure containing parts besealed with a closure, preferably lead, to provide evidence of tamperingor alteration from “as built” condition. The present inventioncontemplates that such a lead closure may be placed on these bolts.

[0064] In accordance with the present invention, a linkage assembly isprovided. The linkage assembly is engageable with the exterior end ofthe shaft to translate the torque exerted on the shaft into an outputforce. The present invention contemplates many linkage assemblies ofmany different configurations. Preferably, the linkage assembly isadjustable during set pressure calibration of the device to vary themagnitude of the output force that corresponds to a particular shafttorque.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 5, a linkage assembly (designatedgenerally as 26) having a housing 27 is engageable with valve 22.Spindle housing 150 includes a flange 154 that has a series of boltholes 156 that are positioned to engage corresponding bolt holes 158 onhousing 27. Preferably, flange 154 includes a series of bolt holes sothat the linkage assembly housing may be connected to the valve inseveral different orientations. The orientation of the linkage assemblyhousing with relation to the valve may be varied depending on theavailable space of the pressurized system. In addition, the linkageassembly housing may be oriented to allow easy access to the housing toreset the valve. Preferably, the bolts connecting valve 22 with linkageassembly 26 are configured to allow sealing, with wire or other closure,according to ASME practices to provide evidence of tampering oralteration from ‘as-built’ condition.

[0066] As illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6 b, linkage assembly 26 includesan input arm 160. Input arm 160 has an opening 170 configured to receivespline 142 (referring to FIGS. 4 and 5). The splined connection betweenspindle 140 and input arm 160 allows the linkage assembly housing to beoriented at a variety of angles with respect to the valve, whileretaining a solid coupling between spline 142 and opening 170 so thatany rotational movement or torque of spindle 140 is directly transferredto input arm 160.

[0067] Input arm 160 is connected to trigger 172. As shown in FIG. 6b,input arm 160 includes a post 202 that rotatably mounts roller 204.Roller 204 engages an end 173 of trigger 172. The connection betweenroller 204 and trigger end 173 translates any torque applied to theinput arm into a substantially linear force on the trigger 172.

[0068] Trigger 172 contacts a lever arm 178. Lever arm 178 includes afirst end 177 and a second end 179. As shown in FIG. 6b, trigger 172includes a post 208 that mounts roller 212. Roller 212 contacts firstend 177 of the lever arm to transmit the force exerted on the trigger bythe input arm against the lever arm.

[0069] As illustrated, a fulcrum 174 is disposed adjacent the body oflever arm 178. Fulcrum 174 includes a housing 175 and an adjuster block176. Adjuster block 176 a post 222 that pivotably mounts a rollerbearing 224. The surface of roller bearing 224 contacts the body oflever arm 178 and provides a point of support about which the lever armrotates.

[0070] Thus, when the pressurized fluid exerts a torque on shaft 56, theshaft transmits the torque to input arm 160, which exerts acorresponding force on trigger 172. Trigger 172 transmits the force tofirst end 177 of lever arm 178. Lever arm 178 rotates about fulcrum to174 to generate an output force acting through second end 179 of leverarm 178. In this manner, the torque exerted on the shaft is translatedinto an output force.

[0071] Preferably, linkage assembly 26 is adjustable during setcalibration of the device so that the magnitude of the output forcegenerated by a particular torque may be easily varied. In the preferredembodiment, fulcrum 174 is moveable with respect to lever arm 178 tocontrol the magnitude of the force exerted on release device 181. Evenmore preferably, the linkage assembly provides for major and minoradjustments of the fulcrum location.

[0072] Major adjustments to the fulcrum location are made by adjustingthe location of the fulcrum housing with respect to the base plate. Asillustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6 b, fulcrum housing 175 is connected to abase plate 192 with posts 226. Base plate 192 includes a series ofpositioning holes 185. Fulcrum housing 175 may be moved relative tolever arm 178 by engaging posts 226 with different sets of positioningholes 185. In the preferred embodiment, positioning holes 185 providefor four different positions of fulcrum housing 175. The number andlocations of such positioning holes may vary to provide the desiredadjustability to the system.

[0073] Preferably, once fulcrum housing 175 is positioned with theproper set of positioning holes 185 to generate the appropriatemagnitude of force based on the desired release pressure, the remainingpositioning holes 185 are plugged to prevent a user from making majoradjustments to the location of fulcrum housing. Alternatively, baseplate 192 may be manufactured with only one set of positioning holes toprovide one location of the fulcrum housing that will generate theappropriate magnitude of force.

[0074] Minor adjustments to the fulcrum housing may be made by adjustingthe location of the adjuster block within the fulcrum housing. Asillustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6 b, fulcrum housing 175 mounts a pair ofbolts 186 that fix adjuster block 176 with respect to the fulcrumhousing. Adjusting bolts 186 moves adjuster block 176 and bearing 224relative to lever arm 178. Because bearing 224 may rotate with respectto housing 175, the adjuster block 176 may be easily moved relative tolever arm 178 without disengaging the lever arm from the roller bearing.

[0075] Thus, in the preferred embodiment, major adjustments to thelocation of bearing 224 may be made by adjusting the position of fulcrumhousing 175 relative to base F plate 192 and minor adjustments may bemade by adjusting the location of adjuster block 176 relative to fulcrumhousing 175. Moving bearing 224 closer to the first end 177 of lever arm178 will reduce the magnitude of the output force, where moving bearingcloser to the second end 179 of lever arm 178 will increase themagnitude of the output force.

[0076] Preferably, housing 175 includes lock pins 183. After the fulcrumhas been properly positioned to generate the desired output force basedon the input torque of the shaft, lock pins 183 may be engaged withbolts 186 and/or base plate 192 to prevent any further adjustment of theset pressure. This will prevent tampering with the unit to alter the setpressure of the valve.

[0077] The present invention also contemplates that a spring, such as atorsion spring (not shown), may be connected to the shaft. The torsionspring may be configured to either increase or decrease the forceexerted by the input arm. For example, the torsion spring may beoriented to exert a “preload” force on the shaft, i.e. add to the torqueexerted on the shaft by the pressurized fluid . Including the springwill thereby lower the fluid pressure necessary to generate the outputforce necessary to trigger the release device and open the valve. Oncethe release device is triggered, the force of the spring will also actto help rotate the plug to the open position. Alternatively, the springmay be oriented to oppose the torque on the shaft. Including theopposing spring will increase the fluid pressure necessary to generatethe required output force, since the resistance of the spring adds tothe resistance of the release device.

[0078] In accordance with the present invention, a release device, oractivation component, is connected to the linkage assembly. The releasedevice prevents the shaft from rotating until the output force exceeds apredetermined limit. In the illustrated embodiment, the release deviceincludes a pin that is subject to a compressive force and that bucklesaccording to Euler's Law when the output force reaches the predeterminedlimit. Such a device is typically termed a “Buckling Pin Non ReclosingPressure Relief Device.” The present invention contemplates, however,that the release device may include a spring, magnet, rupture disk, orany other device that will prevent the shaft from rotating until theoutput force reaches a predetermined limit. Moreover, as illustrated,the linkage assembly of the illustrated embodiment generates acompressive output force, although it is contemplated that the linkageassembly may generate a tensile or shear output force.

[0079] As illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6 b, a release device 181 isconnected to linkage assembly 26. In the preferred embodiment, releasedevice 181 includes a buckling pin 182 that is held within a pin housing180 by a threaded bolt 188 and a pin holder 236. Preferably, a pair ofbushings 234 ensure pin holder 236 and buckling pin 182 remain inalignment in pin housing 180. Threaded bolt 188 engages the opposite endof buckling pin 182.

[0080] Release device 181 is operatively connected to second end 179 oflever arm 178. As shown in FIG. 6b, second end 179 of lever arm 178includes a post 216 that mounts a roller bearing 214. Roller bearing 214contacts pin holder 236. This operative connection transmits the outputforce exerted by the second end 179 of lever arm 178 to pin holder 236.

[0081] Buckling pin 182 is configured to withstand a predeterminedforce. When the output force exceeds the predetermined force, thematerial of the buckling pin will deform, or buckle. The presentinvention contemplates that the force at which the pin will deform maybe controlled in a number of ways, including, but not limited to,providing pins having different sizes and materials and introducing anarea of weakness into the pin. As illustrated in FIG. 7, pin 182 mayinclude a weakened area such as a notch 250. The present inventioncontemplates that the weakened area may be introduced into the pin bylocally scoring, heat treating, etching, or pre-stressing at least aportion of the pin.

[0082] The release device may include a magnet, e.g. an electromagnet ora permanent magnet, that prevents the shaft from rotating until theoutput force reaches the predetermined level. The magnet may be disposedin the release device to prevent the shaft from rotating with eithermagnetic attraction or magnetic repulsion. It should be noted that theadjustability of the valve of the present invention will allow a lowtorque/low force design that is particularly conducive to the use of amagnetic release device.

[0083] The release device may also include a spring mechanism foropening and/or closing the valve. The spring mechanism may have atension, compression, torsion, disk, elastomeric, or memory metalspring. The present invention also contemplates that the release devicemay be a combination of a pin, magnet, or spring.

[0084] In addition, the release device may include a rupture disk, orsimilar structure, that is configured to deform, rupture, or changeshape when a predetermined force is exerted thereon. As illustrated inFIG. 10, a rupture disk 270 includes a dome shaped structure having aconcave side 272 and a convex side 274. A rod 276 is disposed betweenthe second end 179 of lever arm 178 and convex side 274 of rupture disk270. Rod 276 transmits the force of the lever arm onto the rupture disk.The size, shape, and material of the dome-shaped structure is designedso that the rupture disk will withstand a predetermined force. When theforce exerted by the lever arm exceeds the predetermined force, thedome-shaped structure will buckle and allow the lever arm to move,thereby releasing the shaft. While the illustrated embodiment depicts areverse-buckling rupture disk, the present invention contemplates thatthe rupture disk may also be a tension-loaded disk, where rod 276contacts concave side 272. In addition, it is contemplated that therupture disk may be a flat membrane constructed of a material such ascarbon graphite.

[0085] It is contemplated that the release device may include a commandrelease mechanism that will allow the valve to open regardless of thefluid pressure. Preferably, the command release mechanism is asolenoid-based or pyrotechnic-based actuator that deforms the pin, uponcommand, to trigger the release device. Alternatively, the commandrelease mechanism may be a device that ensures that an output forcesufficient to trigger the release mechanism is generated, such as anactuator that acts on the lever arm or shaft.

[0086] In accordance with the present invention, the release device mayinclude a fusible alloy that liquefies when exposed-to heat. Includingthe fusible alloy in the release device will ensure that the valve opensif a fire or other emergency situation occurs in the proximity of thevalve. In addition, the fusible alloy may be disposed adjacent acontrollable source of heat so that an operator may heat the alloy toopen the valve on demand, should an emergency situation developelsewhere in the pressurized system. Thus, the present inventioncontemplates that the fusible alloy may be integrated into the releasedevice to cause the valve to open in response to heat generated by aheating element (on demand), in response to heat generated by anemergency situation, in response to an over-pressure situation, or anycombination thereof.

[0087] The fusible alloy may be included as part of the pin or as partof the pin holder so that exposure to heat will liquefy the fusiblealloy and cause the pin to deform or allow the pin to move, therebyreleasing the lever arm and allowing the plug to open. Preferably, thefusible alloy is eutectic to provide a single temperature set point atwhich the valve will release, although the present inventioncontemplates that non-eutectic fusible alloys may also be used.

[0088] In one embodiment, the release device includes a fusible plug258, as illustrated in FIG. 8. Fusible plug 258 includes a housing 262having an opening 263 that contains a fusible alloy 266. A support plate268 that includes a series of perforations 269 is disposed on one sideof fusible alloy 266. Support plate 268 may be integral with housing 262or a separate piece that mates with housing 262.

[0089] The release device also includes a piston 264 that is operablyconnected to second end 179 of lever arm 178 (referring to FIGS. 6a and6 b). Piston 264 engages fusible alloy 266, which prevents piston 264and, thus, lever arm 178 from moving. When the temperature of housingreaches a certain level, fusible alloy 266 liquefies. The liquefiedfusible alloy 266 flows through perforations 269 or around the outerdiameter 265 of piston 264, thereby allowing piston 264 to move.Movement of the piston allows the lever arm to move and ultimatelyrelease the shaft to allow the plug to rotate to the open position. Inthis manner, the valve may be opened when the temperature reaches apredetermined level.

[0090] The present invention also contemplates that a heating coil orother heat generating device may be disposed in plug housing 262.Preferably, the heating coil is remotely operated to allow an operator,or an automated control system, to activate the heating coil and heatthe fusible alloy to open the valve when an emergency situation occurselsewhere in the system. This is particularly beneficial in largepressurized systems where the fusible alloy will not necessarily besubject to direct heating by a fire or other dangerous condition.

[0091] In the embodiment of the release device illustrated in FIG. 9, afusible alloy 266 is included as part of pin holder 236. In thisembodiment, the release device will release the shaft if the temperatureof the fusible alloy reaches a certain temperature or if the forceexerted on the pin exceeds the material strength of the pin. Thus, thisembodiment will provide a pressure relief in either an over-pressure oran over-temperature condition.

[0092] As discussed above, the fulcrum of the present invention may beeasily adjusted to vary the magnitude of the output force generated by agiven fluid pressure and exerted on the release device. This providesincreased flexibility for the pressure relief apparatus. For example, ifthe release device includes a buckling pin configured to deform at acertain force, the fluid pressure that will generate an output forcesufficient to deform the pin may be varied by merely adjusting thelocation of the fulcrum relative to the lever arm. If a lower releasepressure is desired, the fulcrum is moved towards the second end of thelever arm. Similarly, if a greater release pressure is desired, thefulcrum may be moved closer to the first end of the lever arm.

[0093] This adjustability feature is advantageous for many reasons. Itallows for standardization of parts, thereby easing manufacturing andinventory controls. The system can also be adjusted in the field ifperformance requirements for the installation are changed. The designallows for the compact offset valve design to handle a range ofpressures. For example, an 8″ unit valve according to the presentinvention can handle pressures ranging from about 5 psi to about 300psi, whereas a conventional 8″ rotatable device could be expected tohandle pressures ranging from about 5 psi to about 50 psi.

[0094] Preferably, as illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6 b, trigger 172includes a curved surface 187 proximate end 173 of trigger 172 andtrigger 172 is pivotally mounted to link 228 by a post 206. Whenbuckling pin 182 deforms in response to the output force, lever arm 178is allowed to pivot about fulcrum 174 so that second end 179 and firstend 177 of lever arm 178 move in opposite directions. Movement of firstend 177 of lever arm 178 removes support for trigger 172. In response tothe continued force of input arm, trigger 172 pivots about post 206 androller 204 of input arm 160 disengages from end 173 of 172. Thus, inputarm 160 begin a rotational movement to allow the shaft and plug torotate to the open position. Curved surface 187 of trigger 172 providesclearance for input arm 160 to rotate through its full course ofmovement.

[0095] Preferably, a small rotation of input arm 160 of approximately 1°will allow roller 204 to disengage end 173 of trigger 172 and open thevalve. Thus, the release device need only allow a small movement of thelever arm in order to release the valve. This feature provides for theuse of a re-useable pin. For example, a relatively long buckling pin maybe placed in the pin holder. When the pressure in the system creates asufficiently high output force, the pin will start to elastically deformprior to buckling. The elastic deformation will shorten the pinsufficiently to allow the small degree (approximately 1°) of rotation toopen the valve. The device may then be reset to reuse the same pin. Thesystem may then be pressurized and the pin re-used.

[0096] As illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6 b, a tension spring 184preferably connects trigger 172 to link 228. Tension spring 184 acts ontrigger 172 to move the trigger back to its original position to realignthe trigger with lever arm 178 when input arm 160 is rotated back to itsstarting position to reset the device.

[0097] In the preferred embodiment, a latch is provided to engage theinput arm of the linkage assembly when the plug rotates to the openposition. The latch holds the plug in the open position. Preferably, thelatch includes an energy absorber to absorb the energy of the input armcontacting the latch. The hollow plug of the present invention providesfor inertia reduction that lessens the necessary shock absorber.

[0098] As illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6 b, a latch 164 is pivotablydisposed in a latch housing 240. Latch 164 includes a notch 166configured to engage a projection 162 on input arm 160. Preferably, aspring 238 acts on latch 164 to urge the latch 164 into a latchedposition. When input arm 160 rotates to the open position, projection162 contacts latch 164 and pivots latch 164. When projection has engagednotch 166, spring 238 returns latch to the latched position to preventinput arm 160 from rotating back to the closed position.

[0099] Preferably, an energy absorber 168 is positioned on latch housing240. Projection 162 of input arm 160 contacts energy absorber when inputarm moves to the open position. Energy absorber 168 is made of aresilient material that flexes when contacted by projection 162. Thepresent invention contemplates that the energy absorber may also be adamper mechanism, such as a hydraulic shock absorber, pneumatic shockabsorber, or cam mechanism that acts on the shaft to slow the rotationof the shaft.

[0100] After the energy created by the contact of the projection withthe energy absorber is dissipated, energy absorber 168 returns to itsoriginal shape and locks projection 162 against notch 166. Projection162 may be freed from notch 166 by manually pivoting latch 164 torelease projection 162 of input arm 160 and return input arm to itsstarting position. It is contemplated that a mechanism for releasing thelatch may be included to release the latch and allow the plug to returnto the closed position when the pressure of the fluid has been reducedto a safe level.

[0101] It should be noted that the pressure relief apparatus of thepresent invention may also be used for two-way pressure relief. In thisembodiment, a second linkage assembly could be connected to the shaftand adapted to prevent the shaft from rotating in the oppositedirection. Because the linkage assemblies are separately adjustable, thepressure at which the valve opens could be independently controlled foreach direction. Thus, the valve would open when the fluid pressure onone side of the valve reached a first level and would also open when thepressure on the other side of the valve reached a second level, therebyproviding pressure relief in both directions.

[0102] The operation of the aforementioned pressure relief apparatuswill now be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 1, valve 22 of the pressure relief apparatus 20is engaged with a pipe flange of a pressurized system by engaging boltsthrough bolt holes 24 and the corresponding bolt holes of the systemflange. Operation of the pressurized system directs pressurized fluidinto fluid inlet 52 of body 23. Referring to FIG. 2, the pressurizedfluid exerts a force on inlet plate 68 of plug 65. Because therotational axis of the plug is offset from the center of the plug, theresultant force exerted by the pressurized fluid on inlet plate 68creates a moment about the rotational axis of the plug and exerts atorque on shaft 56.

[0104] The torque on shaft 56 is translated through spindle 140 to inputarm 160 of linkage assembly 26 (referring to FIGS. 6a and 6 b). Thetorque on input arm 160 is translated into a linear force on trigger172. Trigger 172 transfers the linear force onto lever arm 178, whichexerts a corresponding force on release device 181.

[0105] When the force exerted on buckling pin 182 exceeds the strengthof the material, buckling pin 182 deforms, or buckles, to trigger therelease of the valve. Preferably, in the reclosing embodiment of thepresent invention, the valve is triggered within ±3% of the setpressure. The deformation of buckling pin 182 releases lever arm 178,which, in turn, releases trigger 172. Release of trigger 172 frees inputarm 160 and allows shaft 56 and plug 65 to rotate.

[0106] The pressurized fluid continues to exert a force on inlet plate68 of plug 65 causing plug 65 to rotate towards the open position. Asdescribed previously, seal 84 remains engaged with inlet plate 68 forseveral degrees of the rotation of plug 65. After the plug rotatesthrough that first portion of the rotation and the seal with the body isbroken, fluid is allowed to escape from the system through valve outlet54, When plug 65 rotates to the open position, passageways 72 becomesubstantially aligned with the flow of fluid. Thus, the plug of thepresent invention provides a large flowpath through which fluid mayescape, thereby providing an efficient flowpath with a low coefficientof resistance.

[0107] As plug 65 rotates within body 23, input arm 160 follows acorresponding rotation. When plug 65 reaches the open position,projection 162 strikes energy absorber 168, which helps dissipate theenergy of the valve opening. The energy created by the opening of thevalve is further reduced by the existence of passageways 72 in plug 65.These “hollow” areas of the plug reduce the mass of the plug and, thus,the inertia generated by the moving plug. Since the inertia is lower,the force of the impact on energy absorber 168 is also reduced. Thisreduces the wear on the pressure relief apparatus and will reducemaintenance and repair of the apparatus.

[0108] In addition, projection 162 engages latch 164. Latch 164 preventsplug 65 from any reverse rotation, which could potentially obstruct thefluid release. Preferably, latch 164 is configured to hold plug 65 suchthat passageways 72 are properly aligned with fluid flowpath 50.

[0109] After the fluid has vented from the system and the pressurereduced, the pressure relief apparatus may be reset. This isaccomplished by releasing latch 164 and returning input arm 162 to thestarting position. It is contemplated that the present invention bepracticed without a latch, in which case, gravity may act on the plug toreturn the plug to a closed position. There are potential advantages ofhaving the valve close even without reseating the seal.

[0110] It is contemplated that the reclosing valve of the presentinvention may include an appropriate mechanism, such as a pilot stylespring loaded mechanism or a shaft mounted spring loaded mechanism, toautomatically reclose the valve when the pressure in the system dropsbelow approximately 95% of the set pressure. Preferably, the valverecloses in accordance with ASME Section Vil. As such, the seal wouldactually reseat.

[0111] A wrench or socket may be engaged with drive 143 to aid inreturning the plug to a closed position. When plug 65 is returned to thestarting position, outer perimeter 95 of inlet plate 68 engagesprojections 120 and 122 of seal 84. The curved cross-sectional shape ofthe outer perimeter 95 allows the seal to be easily engaged with theplug. Thus, the seal of the present invention can be energized with arelatively low-torque.

[0112] After seal 84 is energized with plug 65, release device 181 maybe reset. Buckling pin 182 may be replaced by removing threaded bolt 188and inserting a new buckling pin 182 into pin holder 192. Threaded bolt188 is then tightened to clamp the new buckling pin in place and thereset of the apparatus is complete.

[0113] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the assembly of the presentinvention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pressure relief apparatus for a systemcontaining a pressurized fluid, comprising: a valve having a bodydefining a fluid flowpath, a shaft rotatably disposed in the body andhaving an exterior end extending through the body, and a plug mounted onthe shaft, the body engageable with the system to expose the plug to thepressurized fluid, the pressurized fluid acting on the plug to exert atorque on the shaft and rotate the plug from a closed position to anopen position; a linkage assembly engageable with the exterior end ofthe shaft and configured to translate the torque exerted on the shaftinto an output force, the linkage assembly being adjustable to vary themagnitude of the output force corresponding to a particular shafttorque; and a release device operatively connected to the linkageassembly to prevent the shaft from rotating until the output forceexceeds a predetermined limit.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thelinkage assembly includes a fulcrum and a lever arm having a first endand a second end, the first end of the lever arm operatively coupled tothe exterior end of the shaft to translate the torque on the shaft intoa substantially linear force acting on the first end of the lever arm topivot the lever arm about the fulcrum.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein the fulcrum is moveable relative to the lever arm to adjust thedistance between the fulcrum and the first and second ends of the leverarm.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the release device is abuckling pin and the output force is a compressive force.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the release device is a pin having aweakened area, the weakened area of the pin causing the pin to deformwhen the output force exceeds the predetermined level.
 6. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the release device is a rupture disk configured todeform when the output force exceeds the predetermined level.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein the rupture disk is a reverse-bucklingrupture disk and the output force is exerted on a convex surface of thedome-shaped section.
 8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the operativeconnection includes an input arm engageable with the exterior end of theshaft and a trigger disposed between the input arm and the first end ofthe lever arm.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the trigger isrotatably mounted on a post and includes a first end having a curvedsurface and the input arm has a roller engageable with the first end ofthe trigger, the trigger rotating on the post when the output forceexceeds the predetermined limit, the curved surface providing clearanceto allow the input arm and shaft to rotate to move the plug to the openposition.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the exterior end of theshaft includes a spline and the input arm is configured to receive thespline.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a roller is disposedbetween the input arm and the support and a roller is disposed betweenthe support and the first end of the lever arm.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 8, further comprising a latch, the input arm including aprojection configured to engage the latch when the plug rotates to theopen position.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plug includesan inlet plate and an outlet plate, the inlet and outlet plate defininga passageway through which pressurized fluid flows when the plug is inthe open position.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising aseal disposed in the body and configured to engage the inlet plate ofthe plug to prevent pressurized fluid from escaping the pressurizedsystem when the plug is in the closed position.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the seal includes a projection configured to resistback pressure.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the projectionresists a vacuum acting on the outlet plate.
 17. The apparatus of claim14, further comprising a retaining ring configured to engage the body toretain the seal in the body.
 18. The apparatus of claim 14, whereingravity returns the plug to the closed position to engage the inletplate of the plug with the seal after the pressurized fluid has escapedfrom the system.
 19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the inlet plateincludes a replaceable seat configured to engage the seal.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the release device includes a fusiblealloy configured to liquefy at a predetermined temperature and allow theshaft to rotate.
 21. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising acommand release mechanism operable to open the valve independently ofthe pressure of the system.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein thecommand release mechanism includes an actuator operable to engage therelease device to allow the shaft to rotate.
 23. A pressure reliefapparatus for a system containing a pressurized fluid, comprising: avalve having a body defining a fluid flowpath, a shaft rotatablydisposed in the body and having an exterior end extending through thebody, and a plug mounted on the shaft, the body engageable with thesystem to expose the plug to the pressurized fluid, the pressurizedfluid acting on the plug to exert a torque on the shaft and to rotatethe plug from a closed position to an open position; a linkage assemblyengageable with the exterior end of the shaft and configured to generatean output force based upon the torque exerted on the shaft; and a pinincluding a weakened area, the pin operatively connected to the linkageassembly such that the output force acts to compress the pin, theweakened area causing the pin to buckle when the output force exertedthereon reaches a predetermined level, the buckling of the pin allowingthe plug to rotate to the open position.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23,further comprising a second pin interchangeable with said first pin, thesecond pin having a weakened area configured so that the second pindeforms when the force exerted thereon reaches a second predeterminedlevel.
 25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the torque of the shaft istranslated to a compressive force on said first pin.
 26. The apparatusof claim 23, wherein the torque of the shaft is translated to a tensileforce on said first pin.
 27. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein thetorque of the shaft is translated to a shear force on said first pin.28. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the exterior end of the shaftincludes a spline and the linkage assembly includes an input armconfigured to receive the spline.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28, whereinthe linkage assembly includes a fulcrum and a lever arm having a firstend operatively coupled to the input arm and a second end coupled withsaid first pin, the input arm acting on the first end of the lever armto pivot the lever arm about the fulcrum to exert the output force onsaid first pin.
 30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the operativecoupling includes an input arm engageable with the exterior end of theshaft and a trigger disposed between the input arm and the first end ofthe lever arm.
 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the input armincludes a roller and the trigger is rotatably mounted on a post andincludes a first end and a curved surface adjacent the first end, theroller contacting the first end of the trigger when the plug is in theclosed position and rolling along the curved surface of the trigger asthe plug rotates to the open position, thereby pivoting the triggerabout the post.
 32. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the fulcrum ismoveable relative to the lever arm to adjust the distance between thefulcrum and the first and second ends of the lever arm to thereby varythe magnitude of the output force exerted on said first pin as a resultof the torque exerted on the shaft.
 33. The apparatus of claim 29,wherein the weakened area includes a notch that reduces the width of thepin in cross section.
 34. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the pinincludes a fusible alloy configured to liquefy and allow the pin todeform when the fusible alloy reaches a predetermined temperature.
 35. Apressure relief apparatus for a system containing a pressurized fluid,comprising: a valve having a body defining a fluid flowpath, a shaftrotatably disposed in the body and having an exterior end extendingthrough the body, and a plug mounted on the shaft, the body engageablewith the system to expose the plug to the pressurized fluid, thepressurized fluid acting on the plug to exert a torque on the shaft androtate the plug from a closed position to an open position; a linkageassembly engageable with the exterior end of the shaft and configured totranslate the torque exerted on the shaft into an output force; and arelease device operatively connected to the linkage assembly to preventthe shaft from rotating, the release device including a fusible alloyconfigured to liquefy and allow the shaft to rotate when the temperatureof the alloy exceeds a predetermined limit.
 36. The apparatus of claim35, wherein the release device includes a pin containing the fusiblealloy, the pin being operatively connected to the shaft such thatliquification of the fusible alloy causes the pin to deform and allowsthe shaft to rotate when the temperature exceeds the predeterminedlimit.
 37. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the linkage assembly isadjustable to vary the magnitude of the output force corresponding to aparticular shaft torque.
 38. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein therelease device includes a pin disposed in a pin holder, the pinconfigured to deform and allow the shaft to rotate when the output forceexceeds a predetermined limit.
 39. The apparatus of claim 38, whereinthe pin holder includes a seat supporting an end of the pin, the seatcontaining the fusible alloy and configured to allow the pin to move andrelease the shaft when the temperature of the alloy reaches thepredetermined limit.
 40. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the releasedevice includes a heating element disposed adjacent the fusible alloy,the heating element operable to raise the temperature of the fusiblealloy to the predetermined limit to release the shaft.
 41. A linkageassembly for a rotatable valve assembly having a release device and aplug mounted on a rotatable shaft, the valve assembly engageable with apressurized system to expose the plug to pressurized fluid, thepressurized fluid acting on the plug to rotate the plug and shaft, thelinkage assembly comprising: an input arm connected to the shaft of therotatable valve assembly; a trigger operatively connected to the inputarm such that the torque exerted on the shaft is translated into asubstantially linear force; a fulcrum; and a lever arm supported by thefulcrum and having a first end operatively coupled with the trigger anda second end coupled with the release device, the substantially linearforce acting on the first end of the lever arm to pivot the lever armabout the fulcrum and generate an output force between the second end ofthe lever arm and the release device, the release device configured torelease the lever arm and thereby allow the shaft to rotate when theoutput force exceeds a predetermined limit.
 42. The assembly of claim41, further comprising a latch and wherein the input arm includes aprojection configured to engage the latch when the plug rotates to theopen position.
 43. The assembly of claim 42, wherein the latch includesan energy absorber disposed to contact the projection when the plugrotates to the open position.
 44. The assembly of claim 43, wherein theenergy absorber is a bumper constructed of a resilient material.
 45. Theassembly of claim 41, further comprising a first roller disposed betweenthe input arm and the trigger and a second roller disposed between thetrigger and the first end of the lever arm.
 46. The assembly of claim45, wherein the trigger is rotatably mounted on a post and includes afirst end having a curved surface and the input arm has a rollerengageable with the first end of the trigger, the trigger rotating onthe post when the output force exceeds the predetermined limit, thecurved surface providing clearance to allow the input arm and shaft torotate to move the plug to the open position.
 47. The assembly of claim45, further comprising a third roller rotatably mounted on a post at thesecond end of the lever arm and disposed between the second end of thelever arm and the release device.
 48. The assembly of claim 41, whereinthe release device is a bucking pin and the second end of the lever armexerts a compressive force on the buckling pin.
 49. The assembly ofclaim 48, wherein the buckling pin includes a weakened area, theweakened area of the buckling pin causing the pin to buckle when theforce exerted by the second end of the lever arm exceeds thepredetermined limit.
 50. The assembly of claim 41, wherein the fulcrumis moveable relative to the lever arm to adjust the distance between thefulcrum and the first and second ends of the lever arm to vary themagnitude of the output force corresponding to a particular shafttorque.
 51. The assembly of claim 50, wherein the fulcrum includes aroller rotatably mounted in a housing, the roller providing a point ofsupport for the lever arm.
 52. The assembly of claim 51, wherein theroller of the fulcrum is moveable within the housing to adjust thedistance between the point of support and the first and second ends ofthe lever arm.
 53. The assembly of claim 51, wherein the fulcrum housingis moveable with respect to the lever arm to adjust the distance betweenthe point of support and the first and second ends of the lever arm. 54.The assembly of claim 53, wherein the roller of the fulcrum is moveablewithin the housing to further adjust the distance between the point ofsupport and the first and second ends of the lever arm.
 55. The assemblyof claim 51, further comprising lock pins engageable with the fulcrumhousing to prevent the fulcrum from moving within the housing.
 56. Theassembly of claim 41, wherein the release device includes a magnetconfigured to prevent the lever arm from moving until the output forceexceeds the predetermined limit.
 57. A pressure relief apparatus for asystem containing a pressurized fluid, comprising: a valve having a bodydefining a fluid flowpath, a shaft rotatably disposed in the body andhaving an exterior end extending through the body, and a plug mounted onthe shaft, the body engageable with the system to expose the plug to thepressurized fluid, the pressurized fluid acting on the plug to exert atorque on the shaft and rotate the plug from a closed position to anopen position; a linkage assembly engageable with the exterior end ofthe shaft, the linkage assembly configured to translate the torqueexerted on the shaft into an output force; a release device operativelyconnected to the linkage assembly to prevent the shaft from rotatinguntil the output force exceeds a predetermined limit; and a latchconfigured to engage the linkage assembly when the plug rotates to theopen position and to hold the plug in the open position.
 58. Theapparatus of claim 57, wherein the latch includes an energy absorber andthe linkage assembly includes an input arm, the input arm including aprojection configured to contact the energy absorber when the plugrotates to the open position.
 59. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein theenergy absorber is a bumper constructed of a resilient material.
 60. Theapparatus of claim 57, wherein the energy absorber is a hydraulic shockabsorber.
 61. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the energy absorber isa pneumatic shock absorber.
 62. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein thelatch includes a spring acting on the latch to engage the latch with theprojection of the input arm.
 63. A pressure relief apparatus for asystem containing a pressurized fluid, comprising: a valve having a bodydefining a fluid flowpath, a shaft rotatably disposed in the body, and aplug mounted on the shaft, the body engageable with the system to exposethe plug to the pressurized fluid, the plug and shaft rotatable betweena closed position where the plug prevents pressurized fluid from flowingthrough the fluid flowpath in the body and an open position wherepressurized fluid flows between the body and the plug; a seal disposedin the body and configured to engage the plug when the plug is in theclosed position to prevent pressurized fluid from flowing between theplug and body when the plug is in the closed position; and a retainingring engageable with the body and configured to retain the seal in thebody, the retaining ring being disengageable from the body while theshaft and plug remain intact within the body.
 64. The apparatus of claim63, wherein the plug is mounted on the shaft such that the pressurizedfluid acts on the plug to exert a torque on the shaft and to rotate theplug from the closed position to the open position.
 65. The apparatus ofclaim 63, wherein the body includes an inlet side and an outlet side,the inlet side configured to receive the retaining ring.
 66. Theapparatus of claim 65, wherein the inlet side of the body and theretaining ring are configured to be engaged with a press-fit.
 67. Theapparatus of claim 65, wherein the inlet side of the body includesthreads and the retaining ring includes threads engageable with thethreads of the body.
 68. The apparatus of claim 63, further comprising asecond seal disposed between the retaining ring and the body to preventpressurized fluid from leaking between the retaining ring and body. 69.The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the plug includes an inlet plate andthe seal includes a first projection and a second projection, the firstand second projections extending divergently towards the inlet plate ofthe plug.
 70. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the outer edges of thefirst and second projections have rounded cross-sections.
 71. Theapparatus of claim 69, wherein the plug includes an outlet plate, theoutlet plate combining with the inlet plate to form an internalpassageway to allow fluid to flow therethrough when the plug is in theopen position.
 72. The apparatus of claim 63 wherein the plug includes areplaceable seat configured to engage the seal.
 73. A pressure reliefapparatus for a system containing a pressurized fluid, comprising: abody including an inner surface having a curved shape and defining afluid flowpath, the body engageable with the pressurized system todirect pressurized fluid through the fluid flowpath; a shaft rotatablydisposed in the body; a plug mounted on the shaft and disposed in thefluid flowpath, the outer perimeter of the plug having a curved crosssection substantially complimentary with the curved shape of the innersurface of the body, the plug and shaft rotatable between a closedposition where the plug prevents pressurized fluid from flowing throughthe fluid flowpath in the body and an open position where pressurizedfluid flows between the body and the plug; and a seal disposed in thebody, the seal configured to provide a line seal engageable with aportion of the outer perimeter of the plug to prevent pressurized fluidfrom flowing between the plug and the body, the seal engageable with theplug for between about 1.5° and 5° of rotation of the plug.
 74. Theapparatus of claim 73, wherein the plug is mounted on the shaft suchthat the pressurized fluid acts on the plug to exert a torque on theshaft and to rotate the plug from the closed position to the openposition.
 75. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein gravity returns theplug to the closed position to engage the seal with the outer perimeterof the plug after the pressurized fluid has escaped the system.
 76. Theapparatus of claim 74, further comprising a linkage assembly and whereinthe shaft includes an exterior end extending through the body, thelinkage assembly operatively connected to the shaft to prevent the plugfrom rotating to the open position until the force exerted on the plugby the pressurized fluid exceeds a predetermined limit.
 77. Theapparatus of claim 75, wherein the plug is gravity balanced such thatthe weight of the plug does not influence the pressure at which the plugrotates to the open position.
 78. The apparatus of claim 74, furthercomprising a latch engageable with the shaft when the shaft rotates tothe open position to hold the shaft in the open position.
 79. Theapparatus of claim 73, further comprising a means for reclosing thevalve to thereby reseat the valve in accordance with ASME Section VIIIrequirements.
 80. The apparatus of claim 73, further comprising aretaining ring engageable with the body and configured to retain theseal in the body.
 81. The apparatus of claim 80, wherein the bodyincludes an inlet side and an outlet side, the inlet side configured toreceive the retaining ring.
 82. The apparatus of claim 73, wherein theplug includes an inlet plate and an outlet plate, the inlet and outletplates defining a passageway through which pressurized fluid flows whenthe plug is in the open position, the seal engaging a portion of theouter perimeter of the inlet plate.
 83. The apparatus of claim 82,further comprising a second seal disposed in the body, the second sealconfigured to provide a line seal engageable with a portion of the outerperimeter of the outlet plate.
 84. The apparatus of claim 73, whereinthe plug includes a replaceable seat forming the outer perimeter of theplug.
 85. The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the shaft is disposed inthe body such that the pressurized fluid acts on the plug to exert atorque on the shaft and rotate the plug from the closed position to theopen position.
 86. The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the outerperimeter of the plug includes a coating to reduce friction between theseal and the plug.